Metalloproteinase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

Therapeutically active hydroxamic acid derivatives, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and the use of such compounds in medicine. The compounds are inhibitors of metalloproteinases involved in tissue degradation.

This application is a divisional application of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/765,146, filed Dec. 23, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,898, which is a 371 of PCT/GB95/01465, filed Jun. 22, 1995.

The present invention relates to therapeutically active hydroxamic acid and carboxylic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to the use of such compounds in medicine. In particular, the compounds are inhibitors of metalloproteinases involved in tissue degradation.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Metalloproteinase Inhibitors

Compounds which have the property of inhibiting the action of metalloproteinases involved in connective tissue breakdown such as collagenase, stromelysin and gelatinase (known as "matrix metalloproteinases", and herein referred to as MMPs) are thought to be potentially useful for the treatment or prophylaxis of conditions involving such tissue breakdown, for example rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteopenias such as osteoporosis, periodontitis, gingivitis, corneal epidermal or gastric ulceration, and tumour metastasis, invasion and growth. MMP inhibitors are also of potential value in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders, including those involving myelin degradation, for example multiple sclerosis, as well as in the management of angiogenesis dependent diseases, which include arthritic conditions and solid tumour growth as well as psoriasis, proliferative retinopathies, neovascular glaucoma, ocular tumours, angiofibromas and hemangiomas.

Metalloproteinases are characterised by the presence in the structure of a zinc(II) ion at the active site. It is now known that there exists a range of metalloproteinase enzymes that includes fibroblast collagenase (Type 1), PMN-collagenase, 72 kDa-gelatinase, 92 kDa-gelatinase, stromelysin, stromelysin-2 and PUMP-1 (L. M. Matrisian, Trends in Genetics, 1990, 6, 121-125).

Many known MMP inhibitors are peptide derivatives, based on naturally occurring amino acids, and are analogues of the cleavage site in the collagen molecule. A recent paper by Chapman et al (J. Med. Chem. 1993, 36, 4293-4301) reports some general structure/activity findings in a series of N-carboxyalkyl peptides. Other known MMP inhibitors are less peptidic in structure, and may more properly be viewed as pseudopeptides or peptide mimetics. Such compounds usually have a functional group capable of binding to the zinc (II) site in the MMP, and known classes include those in which the zinc binding group is a hydroxamic acid, carboxylic acid, sulphydryl, and oxygenated phosphorus (eg phosphinic acid and phosphonic acid) groups.

Two known classes of pseudopeptide or peptide mimetic MMP inhibitors have a hydroxamic acid group and a carboxylic group respectively as their zinc binding groups. With a few exceptions, such known MMPs may be represented by the structural formula (IA) ##STR1## in which X is the zinc binding hydroxamic acid (--CONHOH) or carboxylic acid (--COOH) group and the groups R₁ to R₅ are variable in accordance with the specific prior art disclosures of such compounds. The following patent publications disclose hydroxamic acid-based and/or carboxylic acid-based MMP inhibitors:

    ______________________________________                                         U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,361                                                                        (Searle)                                                       EP-A-2321081    (ICI)                                                          EP-A-0236872    (Roche)                                                        EP-A-0274453    (Bellon)                                                       WO 90/05716     (British Bio-technology)                                       WO 90/05719     (British Bio-technology)                                       WO 91/02716     (British Bio-technology)                                       WO 92/09563     (Glycomed)                                                     U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,900                                                                        (Glycomed)                                                     U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,326                                                                        (Glycomed)                                                     WO 92/17460     (Smithkline Beecham)                                           EP-A-0489577    (Celltech)                                                     EP-A-0489579    (Celltech)                                                     EP-A-0497192    (Roche)                                                        U.S. Pat. No. 5,256,657                                                                        (Sterling Winthrop)                                            WO 92/13831     (British Bio-technology)                                       WO 92/22523     (Research Corporation Technologies)                            WO 93/09090     (Yamanouchi)                                                   WO 93/09097     (Sankyo)                                                       WO 93/20047     (British Bio-technology)                                       WO 93/24449     (Celltech)                                                     WO 93/24475     (Celltech)                                                     EP-A-0574758    (Roche)                                                        WO 94/02447     (British Biotech)                                              WO 94/02446     (British Biotech)                                              ______________________________________                                    

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention makes available a new class of MMP inhibitors, related to those of general formula (I) known from the patent publications listed above in that they also have hydroxamic acid or carboxylic acid zinc binding groups, but incorporating a major structural change in the "backbone". In the compounds of this invention the portion of the "backbone" corresponding to the bracketed portion of general formula (I) may be represented by partial formula (IIA): ##STR2## where Y is a carbonyl (--C(═O)--) or sulphonyl (--S(═C)₂ --) group.

A further advantage of compounds of the present invention is that they inhibit the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF.

RELATED PATENT PUBLICATION

EP-A-0606046 (Ciba-Geigy), published Jul. 13, 1994 discloses compounds also having the partial structure (IIA) where Y is a sulphonyl group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a compound of general formula (II) ##STR3## wherein X represents a --CO₂ H or --CONHOH group;

R₁ represents:

(i) the characterising side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid, in which any functional group present may be protected;

R₂ represents a group Z¹ --Q--W-- where Z¹ represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, non-aromatic heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, and

(i) --Q--W-- taken together represent a bond or

(ii) Q represents --O-- or --S-- and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which

(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or

(b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, or

(iii) Q represents a bond and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which

(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or

(b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, or

(iv) Q represents a bond and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched alkyl group which

(a) carries one or more substituents selected from --SH, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, and --(Alk)SH, where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and

(b) (in the case where W is C₂ -C₈) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl;

Y represents a sulphonyl (--(SO₂)--) group; and

Z represents an optionally substituted aryl, or heteroaryl group;

or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.

A particular sub-set of the compounds of the present invention are those of formula (II) above wherein R₂ represents

(i) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents --O-- or --S--, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe; or

(ii) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe; or

(iii) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which carries one or more substituents selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂ ; or

(v) a cycloalkenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; or

(vi) a linear saturated C₉ -C₂₀ or unsaturated C₂ -C₂₀ hydrocarbon chain, which chain

(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R, is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and/or

(b) may be substituted with one or more groups selected from (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe,

provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms; or

(vii) a linear saturated C₂ -C₈ hydrocarbon chain, which chain

(a) is substituted with one or more groups selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂, and

(b) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl,

provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms.

A further particular sub-set of the compounds of the present invention are those of formula (II) above wherein R₂ represents

(i) a cycloalkenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group, or

(ii) a linear saturated C₂ -C₈ hydrocarbon chain, which chain

(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and

(b) is substituted with one or more groups selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂, or

(iii) a linear saturated C₉ -C₂₀ or unsaturated C₂ -C₂₀ hydrocarbon chain, which chain

(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and/or

(b) may be substituted with one or more groups selected from (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe,

provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms,

As used herein, the term "side chain of a natural or non-natural alpha amino acid" means the group R in a natural or non-natural amino acid of formula H₂ N--CH(R)--COOH.

Examples of side chains of natural alpha amino acids include those of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, cystine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, 5-hydroxylysine, 4-hydroxyproline, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, α-aminoadipic acid, α-amino-n-butyric acid, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, homoserine, α-methylserine, ornithine, pipecolic acid, and thyroxine.

Examples of side chains of non-natural alpha amino acids include:

(a) a hydrocarbon group --CR₉ R₁₀ R₁₁ in which each of R₉, R₁₁ and R₁₁ is independently hydrogen, (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkynyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; or R₉ and R₁₁ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a 3 to 8 membered cycloalkyl or a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring; or R₉, R₁₀ and R₁₁ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a tricyclic ring (for example adamantyl);

or (b) a group --CR₁₂ R₁₃ R₁₄ in which each of R₁₂ and R₁₃ is independently (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkynyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, O(C₁ -C₆) alkyl, S(C₁ -C₆) alkyl, OH, SH, OPh, OCH₂ Ph, SPh, SCH₂ Ph, halogen, CN, CO₂ H, (C₁ -C₄)perfluoroalkyl, CH₂ OH, CO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, or a group phenyl or heteroaryl which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, CN, CO₂ H, CO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, CONH₂, CONH(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, CONH(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)₂, CHO, CH₂ OH, (C₁ -C₄)perfluoroalkyl, O(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, S(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, SO(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, SO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, NO₂, NH₂, NH(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, N((C₁ -C₆)alkyl)₂, NHCO(C_(1-C) ₆)alkyl, (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkynyl, (C₃ -C₈)cycloalkyl, C₄ -C₈)cycloalkenyl, phenyl or benzyl; and R₁₄ is hydrogen, OH, SH, OPh, OCH₂ Ph, SPh, SCH₂ Ph, halogen, CN, CO₂ H, (C₁ -C₄)perfluoroalkyl, CH₂ OH, CO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, or a group phenyl or heteroaryl which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, halogen, CN, CO₂ H, CO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, CONH₂, CONH(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, CONH(C₁ -C₆ alkyl)₂, CHO, CH₂ OH, (C₁ -C₄)perfluoroalkyl, O(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, S(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, SO(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, SO₂ (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, NO₂, NH₂, NH(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, N((C₁ -C₆)alkyl)₂, NHCO(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkynyl, (C₃ -C₈)cycloalkyl, C₄ -C₈)cycloalkenyl, phenyl or benzyl; or R₁₂ and R₁₃ together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a 3 to 8 membered cycloalkyl or a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic ring,

Functional groups in the amino acid side chains may be protected; for example carboxyl groups may be esterified (for example as a C₁ -C₆ alkyl ester), amino groups may be converted to amides (for example as a COC₁ -C₆ alkyl amide) or carbamates (for example as a C(═O)OC₁ -C₆ alkyl or C(═O)OCH₂ Ph carbamate), hydroxyl groups may be converted to ethers (for example a C₁ -C₆ alkyl or a (C₁ -C₆ alkyl)phenyl ether) or esters (for example a C(═O)C₁ -C₆ alkyl ester) and thiol groups may be converted to thioethers (for example a C₁ -C₆ alkyl thioether) or thioesters (for example a C(═O)C₁ -C₆ alkyl thioester).

As used herein the term "cycloalkyl" means a saturated alicyclic moiety having from 3-8 carbon atoms and includes, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and cyclooctyl.

The term "cycloalkenyl" means an unsaturated alicyclic moiety having from 3-8 carbon atoms and includes, for example, cyclopropenyl, cyclobutenyl, cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, cycloheptenyl and cyclooctenyl. In the case of cycloalkenyl rings of from 5-8 carbon atoms, the ring may contain more than one double bond.

The unqualified term "heterocyclyl" or "heterocyclic" refers to a 5-8 membered heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from S, N and O, and optionally fused to a benzene ring, including for example, pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrimidinyl, morpholinyl, piperizinyl, indolyl, benzimidazole, maleimido, succinimido, phthalimido, 1,2-dimethyl-3,5-dioxo-1,2,4-triazolidin-4-yl, 3-methyl-2,5-dioxo-1-imidazolidinyl and 3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-1-imidazolidinyl, naphththalimido (ie 1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-benz[f]isoindol-2-yl), 1,3-dihydro-1-oxo-2H-benz[f]isoindol-2-yl, 1,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinolin-2-yl, and 2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-benz[d,e]isoquinolin-2-yl.

The term "aryl" refers to a mono-, bi- or tri-cyclic, substituted or unsubstituted, carbocyclic aromatic group, and to groups consisting of two covalently linked substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic carbocyclic aromatic groups. Illustrative of such groups are phenyl, biphenyl and napthyl.

The term "heteroaryl" refers to a 5- or 6- membered substituted or unsubstituted aromatic ring containing one or more heteroatoms, and optionally fused to a benzyl or pyridyl ring; and to groups consisting of two covalently linked 5- or 6- membered substituted or unsubstituted aromatic rings each containing one or more heteroatoms; and to groups consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic carbocyclic aromatic group covalently linked to a substituted or unsubstituted 5- or 6- membered aromatic rings containing one or more heteroatoms;. Illustrative of such groups are thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, benzimidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, triazinyl, 4-([1,2,3]-thiadiazoly-4-yl)phenyl and 5-isoxazol-3-ylthienyl.

Unless otherwise specified in the context in which it occurs, the term "substituted" as applied to any moiety herein means substituted with up to four substituents, each of which independently may be (C₁ -C₆)alkoxy, phenoxy, hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁ -C₆)alkylthio, amino, halo (including fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo), trifluoromethyl, nitro, --COOH, --CONH₂, --COOR^(A), --NHCOR^(A), --CONHR^(A), --NHR^(A), --NR^(A) R^(B), or --CONR^(A) R^(B) wherein R^(A) and R^(B) are independently a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl group.

Salts of the compounds of the invention include physiologically acceptable acid addition salts for example hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates, methane sulphonates, p-toluenesulphonates, phosphates, acetates, citrates, succinates, lactates, tartrates, fumarates and maleates. Salts may also be formed with bases, for example sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium salts.

There is at least one potential chiral centre in the compounds according to the invention because of the presence of potentially asymmetric carbon atoms. The presence of several asymmetric carbon atoms gives rise to a number of diastereomers with R or S stereochemistry at each chiral centre. General formula (II), and (unless specified otherwise) all other formulae in this specification are to be understood to include all such stereoisomers and mixtures (for example racemic mixtures) thereof.

In the compounds of the invention, the preferred stereochemistry is in general as follows:

C atom carrying the R₁ and X group=R.

but mixtures in which the above configuration predominates are also contemplated.

In the compounds of the invention:

R₁ may be for example hydrogen; a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- wherein n is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an aryl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl group substituted by maleimido, succinimido, naphthalimido, 2,3-dihydro-1,3-dioxo-1H-benz[d,e]isoquinol-2-yl, carbamoyl, mono(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)carbamoyl, di(lower alkyl)amino, carboxy-lower alkanoylamino, pyrrolidino or morpholino. Specific examples of R₁ groups include hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl. Presently preferred are compounds in which R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.

R₂ may for example be hydrogen, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, n-eicosyl, n-heneicosyl, n-docosyl, n-tricosyl, n-tetracosyl, cyclohexyl, 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-methoxycarbonylbutyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 4-(4-methoxybenzyl)benzyl, 4-phenoxy-2-chlorobenzyl, 4-([1,2,3]-thiadiazol-4-yl)benzyl, 2-phenyl-1-carboxy-ethyl, propyloxymethyl, propylsulphanyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl, 3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propyl, 2-phenoxy-ethyl, 2-(4-methoxy-phenoxy)-ethyl, 2-carboxyethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-carboxybutyl, 6-carboxyhexyl, 7-carboxyheptyl, or 8-carboxyoctyl. Presently preferred are compounds in which R₂ is hydrogen, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl, 4-phenoxy-2-chlorobenzyl, 4-([1,2,3]-thiadiazoly-4-yl)benzyl, 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 2-phenoxyethyl, or 2-(4-methoxy-phenoxy)ethyl. Presently most preferred are compounds in which R₂ is hydrogen, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-dodecyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 3-methoxypropyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 2-phenoxyethyl, 2-(4-methoxy-phenoxy)ethyl, and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl.

Z may for example be phenyl, 4-methylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 3-methylphenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 4-bromophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 2,4,6-isopropylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyphenyl, 4-n-hexyloxyphenyl, 4-n-butyloxyphenyl, 4-(2-methylbutyloxyphenyl, 4-n-heptyloxyphenyl, 4-benzyloxyoxyphenyl, 4-isopropyloxyphenyl, 4-ethoxyethoxyphenyl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 1-napthyl, 2-napthyl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 4-acetamidophenyl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl. Presently preferred are such compounds in which Z is 4-methylphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 4-acetamidophenyl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.

Specific compounds of the invention include those prepared according to the preparative examples below, in particular the following:

N-Hydroxy-2-[[2-(4-methoxy-phenoxy)-ethyl]-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-amino]-acetamide,

N-Hydroxy-2-[(4-phenoxy-ethyl)-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-amino]-acetamide,

N-Hydroxy-2-[(4-methoxy-benzenesulfonyl)-nonyl-amino]-acetamide,

2-[-Decyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-amino]-N-hydroxyacetamide,

and salts, solvates or hydrates thereof.

Compounds according to the present invention in which X is a hydroxamic acid group (--CONHOH) may be prepared from compounds of the invention in which X is a carboxylic acid group (--COOH). That process, which forms another aspect of the invention, comprises:

(a) causing an acid of general formula (IV) ##STR4## or an activated derivative thereof to react with hydroxylamine, O-protected hydroxylamine. N,O-diprotected hydroxylamine, or a salt thereof, R₁, R₂, Y and Z being as defined in general formula (II) except that any substituents in R₁, R₂, Y and Z which are potentially reactive with hydroxylamine, O-protected hydroxylamine, N,O-diprotected hydroxylamine or their salts may themselves be protected from such reaction, then removing any protecting groups from the resultant hydroxamic acid moiety and from any protected substituents in R₁, R₂, Y and Z; or

(b) deprotecting a diprotected hydroxamic acid derivative of formula (IVa) ##STR5## in which R₁, R₂, Y and Z are as defined in general formula (II), R₁₄ is an amino protecting group and R₁₅ is a hydroxyl protecting group.

For method (a) conversion of (IV) to an activated intermediate such as the pentafluorophenyl, hydroxysuccinyl, or hydroxybenzotriazolyl ester may be effected by reaction with the appropriate alcohol in the presence of a dehydrating agent such as dicyclohexyl dicarbodiimide (DCC), N,N-dimethylaminopropyl-N'-ethyl carbodiimide (EDC), or 2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ).

Protecting groups as referred to above are well known per se, for example from the techniques of peptide chemistry. Amino groups are often protectable by benzyloxycarbonyl, t-butoxycarbonyl or acetyl groups, or in the form of a phthalimido group. Hydroxy groups are often protectable as readily cleavable ethers such as the t-butyl or benzyl ether, or as readily cleavable esters such as the acetate. Carboxy groups are often protectable as readily cleavable esters, such as the t-butyl or benzyl ester.

Examples of O-protected hydroxylamines for use in method (a) above include O-benzylhydroxylamine, O-4-methoxybenzylhydroxylamine, O-trimethylsilylhydroxylamine, and O-tert-butoxycarbonylhydroxylamine.

Examples of O,N-diprotected hydroxylamines for use in method (a) above include N,O-bis(benzyl)hydroxylamine, N,O-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)hydroxylamine, N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-O-tert-butyldimethylsilylhydroxylamine, N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-O-tetrahydropyranylhydroxylamine, and N,O-bis(tert-butoxycarbonyl)hydroxylamine.

For method (b) suitable protecting groups R₁₄ and R₁₅ are benzyl and substituted benzyl (eg 4-methoxybenzyl). Such protecting groups may be removed by hydrogenolysis, while the 4-methoxybenzyl group may also be removed by acid hydrolysis.

Compounds according to the present invention in which X is a carboxylic acid group --COOH may be prepared by a process comprising hydrolysis of a compound of formula (V): ##STR6## wherein R₁ R₂, Y and Z are as defined in general formula (II), and R₁₅ is a carboxy protecting group. Protected carboxy groups include readily cleavable esters, such as the tert-butyl or benzyl ester.

Compounds of formula (V) may be prepared by alkylation of the amino nitrogen of a sulfonamide of formula (VI) with an amine alkylating agent of formula (VII):

    R.sub.2 NHSO.sub.2 Z.sub.-                                 (VI)

    L--CH(R.sub.1)COOR.sub.15                                  (VII)

wherein R₁ R₂, and Z are as defined in general formula (II) except that any substituents in R₁ R₂, and Z, which are potentially reactive in the alkylation reaction may themselves be protected from such reaction, R₁₅ is as defined for formula (V), and L is a leaving group. Leaving groups L for the alkylation of (VI) by (VlI) are well known in the art and include halogen atoms (such as bromine) and triflate.

Sulfonamides of formula (VI) may be prepared by standard methods, including the reaction of an amine of formula (VIl) with an activated sulfonic acid of formula (IX):

    R.sub.2 NH.sub.2                                           (VIII)

    HOSO.sub.2 Z                                               (IX)

wherein R₂, and Z are as defined in general formula (II). Suitable acivated derivatives of (IX) for condensation with (VIII) include the sulfonyl chloride.

As mentioned above, compounds of formula (II) are useful in human or veterinary medicine since they are active as inhibitors of MMPs.

Accordingly in another aspect, this invention concerns:

(i) a method of management (by which is meant treatment or prophylaxis) of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs in mammals, in particular in humans, which method comprises administering to the mammal an effective amount of a compound as defined with respect to formula (II) above; and

(ii) a compound as defined with respect to formula (II) for use in human or veterinary medicine, particularly in the management (by which is meant treatment or prophylaxis) of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs; and

(iii) the use of a compound as defined with respect to formula (II) in the preparation of an agent for the management (by which is meant treatment or prophylaxis) of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs.

Diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs include those involving tissue breakdown such as bone resorption, inflammatory diseases, dermatological conditions and tumour invasion by secondary metastases, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, periodontitis, gingivitis, corneal ulceration and tumour invasion by secondary metastases, tumour growth, tumour angiogenisis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, proliferative retinopathy, neovascular glaucoma, ocular tumour, angiofibroma and hemangioma.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition comprising a compound of formula (II) together with a pharmaceutically or veterinarily acceptable excipient or carrier.

One or more compounds of general formula (II) may be present in the composition together with one or more excipient or carrier.

The compounds with which the invention is concerned may be prepared for administration by any route consistent with their pharmacokinetic properties. The orally administrable compositions may be in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, granules, lozenges, liquid or gel preparations, such as oral, topical, or sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose presentation form, and may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, for example syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinyl-pyrrolidone; fillers for example lactose, sugar, maize-starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricant, for example magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol or silica; disintegrants for example potato starch, or acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, for example sorbitol, syrup, methyl cellulose, glucose syrup, gelatin hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents, for example lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, or acacia; non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), for example almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters such as glycerine, propylene glycol, or ethyl alcohol; preservatives, for example methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate or sorbic acid, and if desired conventional flavouring or colouring agents.

The dosage unit involved in oral administration may contain from about 1 to 250 mg, preferably from about 25 to 250 mg of a compound of the invention. A suitable daily dose for a mammal may vary widely depending on the condition of the patient. However, a dose of a compound of general formula I of about 0.1 to 300 mg/kg body weight, particularly from about 1 to 100 mg/kg body weight may be appropriate.

For topical application to the skin, the drug may be made up into a cream, lotion or ointment. Cream or ointment formulations which may be used for the drug are conventional formulations well known in the art, for example as described in standard textbooks of pharmaceutics such as the British Pharmacopoeia.

For topical application to the eye, the drug may be made up into a solution or suspension in a suitable sterile aqueous or non aqueous vehicle. Additives, for instance buffers such as sodium metabisulphite or disodium edeate; preservatives including bactericidal and fungicidal agents such as phenyl mercuric acetate or nitrate, benzalkonium chloride or chlorhexidine, and thickening agents such as hypromellose may also be included.

The dosage for topical administration will of course depend on the size of the area being treated. For the eyes, each dose may typically be in the range from 10 to 100 mg of the drug.

The active ingredient may also be administered parenterally in a sterile medium. Depending on the vehicle and concentration used, the drug can either be suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservative and buffering agents can be dissolved in the vehicle.

For use in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the drug can be administered by the oral route or by injection intra-articularly into the affected joint. The daily dosage for a 70 kg mammal may be in the range 10 mgs to 1 gram.

The Preparative Example which follows describes the preparation of a compound which is not part of the invention, but the process conditions and preparative techniques employed are equally applicable to the preparation of the compounds of the invention having similar structures.

Examples 1 to 17 which follow illustrate embodiments of the invention but are not intended to limit the scope in any way. The amino acids used in the examples were commercially available or were prepared according to literature procedures.

The following abbreviations have been used throughout:

    ______________________________________                                         DIPE      Diisopropyl ether                                                    DMF       N,N-Dimethylformamide                                                DMSO      Dimethylsulfoxide                                                    EDC       N-Ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide                                 hydrochloride                                                        HOBt      1-Hydroxybenzotriazole                                               LDA       Lithium N,N-diisopropylamide                                         LHMDS     Lithium hexamethyldisilazide                                                   (lithium N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)amide)                               NMM       N-Methylmorpholine                                                   THF       Tetrahydrofuran                                                      TFA       Trifluoroacetic acid                                                 TLC       Thin layer chromatography                                            ______________________________________                                    

¹ H and ¹³ C NMR spectra were recorded using a Bruker AC 250E spectrometer at 250.1 and 62.9 MHz, respectively. Elemental microanalyses were performed by CHN Analysis Ltd., Alpha House, Countesthorpe Road, South Wigston, Leicester LE8 2PJ, UK or by MEDAC Ltd, Department of Chemistry, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH.

PREPARATIVE EXAMPLE ##STR7## STEP A

N-octyl-toluene-4-sulfonamide

A solution of toluene-4-sulfonyl chloride (5.0 g, 0.026 mol) in dry dichloromethane (150 ml) was cooled to 0° C. during the dropwise addition of n-octylamine (9.6 ml, 0.058 mol) with stirring over 4 minutes. The reaction mixture was then allowed to stir for 30 minutes before being diluted with dichloromethane (200 ml) and water (200 ml). The organic layer was separated and washed consecutively with 1M HCl, 0.5 M Na₂ CO₃ and brine before being dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄. The solution was filtered and concentrated in vacuo to a crude solid which was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 11% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a white solid (7.0 g, 94%). This material was then used immediately in the next step.

STEP B

[Octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetic acid tert-butyl ester

N-Octyl-toluene-4-sulfonamide (7.0 g, 0.025 mol) was dissolved in dry THF (200 ml) and cooled to -78° C. A 1M solution of LHMDS in THF (27.2 ml, 0.028 mol) was then added over 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to -40° C. with stirring over 30 minutes. Neat tert-butyl bromoacetate (4.8 ml, 0.03 mol) was added over 5 minutes and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous NH₄ Cl (200 ml) and ethyl acetate (200 ml). The organic layer was separated and washed consecutively with 1M HCl, 0.5M Na₂ CO₃ and brine, dried over Na₂ SO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting crude oil was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 6% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a white solid (5.2 g, 53%). ¹ H NMR: δ (CDCl₃), 7.72 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.27 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 3.94 (2H, s), 3.23 (2H, dd, J=7.5, 7.6 Hz), 2.42 (3H, s), 1.60-1.42 (2H, m), 1.39 (9H, s), 1.34-1.17 (10H, m), 0.88 (3H, t, J=6.9 Hz).

STEP C

[Octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetic acid

An ice-cooled solution of [octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetic acid tert-butyl ester (5.2 g, 0.013 mol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) was further diluted by the addition of 25% TFA in dichloromethane (200 ml). The reaction mixture was stored at 4° C. overnight. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was azeotroped with toluene. The resulting crude oil was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane) to give the title compound as a white solid (4.4 g, 99%). ¹ H NMR: δ (CDCl₃), 9.77 (1H, br s), 7.71 2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.25 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 4.00 (2H, brs), 3.19 (2H, dd, J=7.4, 7.7 Hz), 2.38 (3H, s),1.50-1.30 (2H, m), 1.30-1.05 (10H, m) and 0.85 (3H, t, J=6.6 Hz).

STEP D

N-Benzyloxy-2-[octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetamide

[Octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetic acid (4.0 g, 0.012 mol) was taken up in DMF (150 ml) and treated at room temperature with NMM (1.55 ml, 0.014 mol) followed by EDC (2.92 g, 0.015 mol). The reaction mixture was allowed to stir for 15 minutes at room temperature before the addition of HOBt (2.1 g, 0.016 mol). The reaction mixture was left to stir for a further 20 minutes before a mixture of O-benzylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.87 g, 0.012 mol) and NMM (2.6 ml, 0.024 mol) in DMF (50 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for a further 48 h. The DMF was removed under reduced pressure and the resulting crude oil was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 ml). The solution was washed consecutively with 1M HCl, 0.5M Na₂ CO₃ and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂ SO₄, filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting crude oil was purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 10% methanol in dichloromethane) to give an oil which was further purified by flash chromatography (silica gel, 20% ethyl acetate in hexane) to give the title compound as a white solid (1.91 g, 37%). ¹ H NMR: δ (CDCl₃), 9.39 (1H, br s), 7.65 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.45-7.20 (7H, m), 4.91 (2H, s), 3.67 (2H, br s), 3.07 (2H, dd, J=7.5, 7.9 Hz), 2.40 (3H, s), 1.50-1.33 (2H, m), 1.31-1.10 (10 H, m) and 0.86 (3H, t, J=6.5 Hz).

STEP E

N-Hydroxy-2-[octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetamide

N-Benzyloxy-2-[octyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)amino]-acetamide (1.91 g, 0.0043 mol) was taken up in ethanol (150 ml), and 10% palladium on charcoal (800 mg) was added. Hydrogen gas was bubbled through the mixture for 2 hours at room temperature. The catalyst was removed by filtration and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a crude solid which was purified by recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane (940 mg, 61%). m.p. 89° C.; ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 7.69 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 7.32 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 3.76 (2H, s), 3.15 (1H, d, J=7.6 Hz), 3.12 (1H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 2.43 (3H, s), 1.58-1.41 (2H, m), 1.35-1.15 (10H, m) and 0.86 (3H, t, J=6.4 Hz). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 166.6, 144.2, 134.6, 129.9, 127.4, 50.7, 49.9, 31.6, 29.1, 29.0, 27.9, 26.6, 22.6, 21.5 and 14.0; IR (CDCl₃), ν_(max) 3413, 2929, 2858, 1682, 1467, 1401, 1346, 1162 and 1091 cm⁻¹. Found: C 57.27, H 7.87, N 7.95%; C₁₇ H₂₈ N₂ 0₄ S requires C 57.28, H 7.92, N 7.86%.

The compounds of the following Examples 1 to 15 were prepared according to methods described in the above Preparative Example.

EXAMPLE 1 ##STR8##

White solid. m.p. 90-91° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 7.63 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.28 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 3.67 (2H, s), 3.54 (3H, s), 3.12 (3H, t, J=7.1 Hz), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.32-2.25 (2H, m) and 1.77-1.68 (2H, m). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 175.2, 167.8, 145.2, 137.2, 130.8, 128.6, 52.0, 49.9, 31.4 24.1 and 21.4. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3231, 2948, 1738, 1651, 1334 and 1159 cm⁻¹. Found C 48.61, H 5.83, N 7.93%; C₁₄ H₂₀ N₂ O₆ S requires C 48.83, H 5.85, N 8.13%.

EXAMPLE 2 ##STR9##

Off-white solid. m.p. 77-78° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 7.63 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.28 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 3.67 (2H, s), 3.54 (3H, s), 3.06 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 2.32 (3H, s), 2.17 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 1.52-1.39 (4H, m) and 1.22-1.10 (2H, m). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 175.7, 167.8, 145.1, 137.3, 130.8, 128.5, 51.9, 50.3, 34.5, 28.4, 27.0, 25.4 and 21.4. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3250, 2945, 1731, 1649, 1332, 1156, 657 and 558 cm⁻¹. Found C 51.28, H 6.49, N 7.45%; C₁₆ H₂₄ N₂ O₆ S requires C 51.60, H 6.50, N 7.52%.

EXAMPLE 3 ##STR10##

Pale orange foam. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 7.46 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 7.32-7.26 (7H, m), 7.23-7.15 (1H, m), 5.10-5.04 (1H, m), 4.59-4.52 (1H, d, J=19.1 Hz), 3.87-3.80 (1H, d, J=19.1 Hz), 3.30-3.17 (2H, m) and 2.41 (3H, s). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 145.0, 134.7, 133.7, 130.2, 129.8, 128.9, 128.8, 128.6, 127.5, 127.0, 126.7, 59.3, 44.9, 36.4 and 21.4.

EXAMPLE 4 ##STR11##

White solid. m.p.109-111° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 7.83-7.76 (2H, m), 7.03-6.96 (2H, m), 4.03 (2H, s), 3.88 (3H, s), 3.21 (2H, dd, J =7.2 Hz), 1.60-1.44 (2H, m), 1.38-1.19 (26H, m) and 0.89 (3H, t, J=6.6 Hz). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 174.2, 163.0, 131.0, 129.5, 114.1, 55.6, 48.6, 47.8, 31.9, 29.7, 29.5, 29.4, 29.2, 27.8, 26.5, 22.7 and 14.1. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 2917, 2849, 1714, 1257 and 1155 cm⁻¹. Found C 63.58 H 9.28 N 3.03%; C₂₅ H₄₃ NO₅ S. 0.1 H₂ O requires C 63.69, H 9.24, N 2.97%.

EXAMPLE 5 ##STR12##

White crystalline solid. m.p. 115-118° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ ((CD₃)₂ SO), 8.74 (1H, s), 7.60 (2H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 6.93 (2H, d, J=8.8 Hz), 3.69 (3H, s), 2.89 (2H, dd, J=7.2, 7.2 Hz), 1.37-0.91 (30H, m) and 0.70 (3H, t, J=6.4 Hz). ¹³ C-NMR; δ ((CD₃)₂ SO), 163.2, 161.1, 129.7, 127.9, 112.9, 54.3, 46.9, 45.9, 30.0, 27.8, 27.4 27.3, 25.9, 24.7, 20.8 and 12.6. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3189, 3072, 2918, 2851, 1633 and 1599 cm⁻¹. Found C 61.89, H 9.25, N 5.77%; C₂₅ H₄₄ N₂ O₅ S requires C 61.95%, H 9.15%, N 5.78%.

EXAMPLE 6 ##STR13##

White solid. m.p. 77-78° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 7.69 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.28 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 6.80 (4H, s), 4.11 (2H, t, J=5.0 Hz), 3.91 (2H, s), 3.75 (3H, s), 3.52 (2H, t, J=5.1 Hz) and 2.40 (3H, s). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 166.2, 154.4, 151.7, 144.4, 134.3, 130.0, 127.4, 115.5, 114.7, 67.0, 55.6, 51.7, 50.3 and 21.5. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3377, 2927, 1670, 1500, 1333, 1228, 1160 and 1034 cm⁻¹. Found C 54.53, H 5.71, N 6.92%; C₁₈ H₂₂ N₂ O₆ S requires C 54.81, H 5.62, N 7.10%.

EXAMPLE 7 ##STR14##

White solid. m.p. 84-86° C. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃ /CD₃ OD), 7.59 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.22-7.02 (4H, m), 6.80 (1H, t, J=7.3 Hz), 6.69 (2H, d, J=7.9 Hz), 4.00 (2H, t, J=5.4 Hz), 3.81 (2H, s), 3.46 (2H, t, J=5.4 Hz) and 2.27 (3H, s). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃ /CD₃ OD), 165.9, 157.5, 143.9, 134.6, 129.5, 129.0, 126.9, 120.8, 113.9, 65.8, 50.1, 48.7 and 20.7. IR (CDCl₃) ν_(max) 3343, 2927, 1681, 1599, 1497, 1350 and 1164 cm⁻¹. Found C 53.43, H 5.39, N 7.37%; C₁₇ H₂₀ N₂ O₅. 0.9 H₂ O requires C 53.64, H 5.77, N 7.36%.

EXAMPLE 8 ##STR15##

White solid. ¹ H NMR; (CDCl₃), δ 3.83 (2H, m), 3.05 (2H, m), 2.52 (3H, s), 2.35 (3H, s), 1.69 (2H, m), 1.25-1.15 (14H, m), 0.87 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz).

EXAMPLE 9 ##STR16##

Off white solid. 1H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 7.63 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.27 (2H, d, J=8.2 Hz), 3.36 (2H, s) and 2.32 (3H, s).

EXAMPLE 10 ##STR17##

Pale yellow wax. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 7.70 (2H, m), 6.96 (2H, m), 3.77 (5H, s), 3.59-3.37 (10 H, br m), and 3.25 (5H, m)

EXAMPLE 11 ##STR18##

White solid. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 7.70 (2H, d, J=1.9 Hz), 7.68 (2H, d, J=1.9 Hz), 3.77 (3H, s), 3.68-3.54 (2H, br m), 3.04 (2H, m), 1.40 (2H, m), 1.15 (10 H, m) and 0.79 (3H, m).

EXAMPLE 12 ##STR19##

Pale yellow solid. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 8.31 (2H, d, J=1.9 Hz), 7.37 (2H, d, J=3.8 Hz), 7.32 (2H, d, J=3.9 Hz), 6.59 (2H, d, J=1.9 Hz), 3.94-3.66 (2H, br m), 2.90 (2H, m), 1.60 (2H, m), 1.18 (10H, m) and 0.79 (3H, m).

EXAMPLE 13 ##STR20##

Tan solid. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CD₃ OD), 0.79 (3H, t), 1.12-1.35 (˜16H, m), 2.05 (3H, s), 3.62 (2H, s), 3.92 (2H, t), 7.24 (2H, d), 7.68 (2H, d), 8.43 (1H, s) and 8.91 (1H, s).

EXAMPLE 14 ##STR21##

Yellow wax. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 0.86 (3H, t), 1.24 (14H, brm), 1.62 (2H, m), 2.32 (3H, s), 3.62 (2H, s), 4.02 (2H, brt), 7.13 (2H, d), 7.67 (2H, d), 7.81 (1H, s), 8.62 (1H, s). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 14.1, 21.3, 22.6, 26.2, 28.7, 29.0, 29.2, 29.3, 31.8, 48.4, 125.7, 129.0, 140.6, 141.1.

EXAMPLE 15 ##STR22##

Off-white solid. ¹ H-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 0.83 (3H, t), 1.14-1.42 (˜16H, m), 3.80 (3H, s), 3.85 (2H, s), 3.92 (2H, t), 6.88 (2H, d) 7.68 (2H, d). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (CDCl₃), 14.9, 26.2, 29.3-30.3 (several lines), 31.8, 55.2, 66.2, 113.2, 127.3, 159.6.

EXAMPLE 16 ##STR23##

4-[Hydroxycarbamoylmethyl-(toluene-4-sulfonyl)-amino]-butyric acid methyl ester (Example 2) (294 mg, 0.86 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (5 ml) and the solution was cooled to 0° C. and stirred during the addition of LiOH (76 mg, 1.80 mmol) in water (5 ml). The solution was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. then at room temperature. Further portions of LiOH were added after 6 h (18 mg) and 18 h (18 mg). Hydrolysis was shown by TLC analysis to be complete after a further 24 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to leave the title compound as a white solid (440 mg, including excess LiOH). ¹ H-NMR; δ (D₂ O), 7.39 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.10 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 3.45 (2H, s), 2.89-2.78 (2H, m), 2.07 (3H, s), 1.82-1.75 (2H, m) and 1.30-1.47 (2H, m). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (D₂ O), 181.5, 180.3, 166.6, 145.0, 137.3, 130.7, 128.6, 50.4, 36.0, 25.9, 24.2 and 21.4. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3404, 1580, 1423, 1335, 1157, 660 and 548 cm⁻¹.

The following additional compound was prepared according to the method described in Example 19:

EXAMPLE 17 ##STR24##

Pale yellow solid. ¹ H-NMR; δ (D₂ O), 7.41 (2H, d, J=8.3 Hz), 7.11 (2H, d, J=8.4 Hz), 3.38 (2H, s), 2.82 (2H, m), 2.08 (3H, s), 1.74 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz), 1.16-1.03 (4H, m) and 0.87-0.75 (2H, m). ¹³ C-NMR; δ (D₂ O), 186.3, 165.1, 147.6, 136.6, 132.5, 129.6, 51.5, 51.4, 39.9, 29.1, 28.3, 27.6 and 23.2. IR (KBr) ν_(max) 3240, 2937, 1615, 1580, 1420, 1336, 1157 and 1035 cm⁻¹. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (II) ##STR25## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents a group Z¹ --Q--W-- where Z¹ represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, and(i) (except when Z¹ is 4-methoxyphenyl) --Q--W-- taken together represent a bond or (ii) (except when Z¹ is hydrogen) Q represents --O-- or --S-- and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or (b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, or (iii) Q represents a bond and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or (b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, or (iv) Q represents a bond and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched alkyl group which(a) carries one or more substituents selected from --SH, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), ---CON(Alk)₂, and --(Alk)SH, where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and (b) (in the case where W is C₂ -C₈) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R₂ represents(i) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents --O-- or --S--, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain allyl moiety which may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe; or (ii) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe; or (iii) a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which carries one or more substituents selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂ ; or (v) a cycloalkenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; or (vi) a linear saturated C₉ -C₂₀ or unsaturated C₂ -C₂₀ hydrocarbon chain, which chain(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and/or (b) may be substituted with one or more groups selected from (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe, provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms; or (vii) a linear saturated C₂ -C₈ hydrocarbon chain, which chain(a) is substituted with one or more groups selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂, and (b) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms.
 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 wherein R₂ represents(i) a cycloalkenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group, or (ii) a linear saturated C₂ -C₈ hydrocarbon chain, which chain(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and (b) is substituted with one or more groups selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂, or (iii) a linear saturated C₉ -C₂₀ or unsaturated C₂ -C₂₀ hydrocarbon chain, which chain(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent --O-- or --S-- atoms or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, and/or (b) may be substituted with one or more groups selected from (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe,provided that the maximum length of the chain is no more than 28 C, O, S and N atoms.
 4. A compound of formula (II) ##STR26## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents hydrogen; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 5. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl.
 6. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.
 7. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 8. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 9. A compound as claimed in claim 4 whereinR₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl; and Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 10. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl, and Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 11. A compound of formula (II) ##STR27## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents a group Z¹ where Z¹ represents an optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, except Z¹ is not 4-methoxyphenyl; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 12. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl.
 13. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.
 14. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein R₂ is cyclohexyl.
 15. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 16. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 17. A compound as claimed in claim 11 whereinR₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl;R₂ is cyclohexyl; and Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 18. A compound as claimed in claim 11 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl, R₂ is cyclohexyl and Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 19. A compound of formula (II) ##STR28## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents a group Z¹ --Q--W-- where Z¹ represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, and Q represents --O-- or --S--, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or (b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 20. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl.
 21. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.
 22. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein R₂ represents a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents --O-- or --S--, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe.
 23. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein R₂ is propyloxymethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl, 3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propyl, 2-phenoxy-ethyl, or 2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl.
 24. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 25. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 26. A compound as claimed in claim 19 whereinR₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl; R₂ is propyloxymethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl, 3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propyl, 2-phenoxy-ethyl, or 2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl; and Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 27. A compound as claimed in claim 19 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl, R₂ is propyloxymethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl, 2-(2-methoxyethoxy(2-ethoxy))ethyl, 3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propyl, 2-phenoxy-ethyl, or 2-(4-methoxyphenoxy)ethyl, and Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 28. A compound of formula (II) ##STR29## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents a group Z¹ --Q--W-- where Z¹ represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, and Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched alkyl or C₂ -C₂₀ alkenyl group which(a) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and/or (b) may carry one or more substituents selected from --OH, --SH, --O(Alk), --S(Alk), halogen, --NH₂, --NH(Alk), --N(Alk)₂, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CO(Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, --(Alk)OH, --(Alk)SH, and --NHCO(Alk) where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 29. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl.
 30. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.
 31. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein R₂ represents a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₉ -C₂₀ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety may carry one or more substituents selected from OH, OMe, halogen, NH₂, NMeH, NMe₂, CO₂ H, CO₂ Me, COMe, CHO, CONH₂, CONHMe, CONMe₂, CH₂ OH, NHCOMe.
 32. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein R₂ is n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, or n-eicosyl.
 33. A compound as claimed claim 28 wherein R₂ is n-nonyl, n-decyl, or n-dodecyl.
 34. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 35. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 36. A compound as claimed in claim 28 whereinR₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl; R₂ is n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, n-dodecyl, n-hexadecyl, n-tridecyl, n-tetradecyl, n-pentadecyl, n-heptadecyl, n-octadecyl, n-nonadecyl, or n-eicosyl; and Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 37. A compound as claimed in claim 28 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl, R₂ is n-nonyl, n-decyl, or n-dodecyl, and Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 38. A compound of formula (II) ##STR30## wherein R₁ represents hydrogen or the side chain of a natural alpha amino acid in which any functional group may be protected, ora (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, (C₂ -C₆)alkenyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted phenyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, heterocyclyl or substituted heterocyclyl, heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or substituted heterocyclyl(C₁ -C₆)alkyl group; a group BSO_(n) A-- whereinn is 0, 1 or 2 and B is hydrogen or a (C₁ -C₆)alkyl, phenyl, substituted phenyl, heterocyclyl, substituted heterocyclyl, (C₁ -C₆)acyl, phenacyl or substituted phenacyl group, and A represents (C₁ -C₆)alkyl; an amino(C₁ -C₆)alkyl; hydroxy(C₁ -C₆)alkyl, mercapto(C₁ -C₆)alkyl or carboxy(C₁ -C,)alkyl wherein the amino-, hydroxy-, mercapto- or carboxyl-group are optionally protected or the carboxyl-group amidated; R₂ represents a group Z¹ --Q--W-- where Z¹ represents hydrogen or an optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkenyl group, and Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched alkyl group which(a) carries one or more substituents selected from --SH, --CO₂ H, --CO₂ (Alk), --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONH(Alk), --CON(Alk)₂, and --(Alk)SH, where Alk represents C₁ -C₆ alkyl, and (b) (in the case where W is C₂ -C₈) may be interrupted by one or more non-adjacent ether or thioether linkages or --N(R_(x))-- groups wherein R_(x) is hydrogen, or C₁ -C₆ alkyl; and Z represents an optionally substituted heteroaryl group;or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof.
 39. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl.
 40. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl.
 41. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein R₂ represents a group Ar--Q--W-- in which Ar represents optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl, Q represents a bond, and W represents a divalent C₁ -C₈ straight or branched chain alkyl moiety which carries one or more substituents selected from --CO₂ H, --CO₂ Me, --CHO, --CONH₂, --CONHMe, and --CONMe₂.
 42. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein R₂ is 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-methoxycarbonylbutyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 2-carboxyethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-carboxybutyl, 6-carboxyhexyl, 7-carboxyheptyl, or 8-carboxyoctyl.
 43. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 44. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 45. A compound as claimed in claim 38 whereinR₁ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, iso-propyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, 2,2-dimethylpropyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, hydroxymethyl, 2-methoxyethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 2-methylsulphonylethyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)butyl, 4-(N,N-dimethylglycylamino)butyl, allyl, methoxymethyl, phenylmethyl, phthalimidomethyl, 2-phthalimidoethyl, 4-morpholinoethyl, 4-thiomorpholinoethyl, 2-methylthiazol-4-ylmethyl, tetrazol-5-ylmethyl, 6-chloropiperonyl, 1-pyrazolylmethyl, pyrid-3-ylmethyl, 1-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyl, N-methylpyrid-4-yl, 2-(pyrid-3-yloxy)ethyl, methylthiomethyl, benzylthiomethyl or thienylsulphanylmethyl; R₂ is 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-methoxycarbonylbutyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 2-carboxyethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-carboxybutyl, 6-carboxyhexyl, 7-carboxyheptyl, or 8-carboxyoctyl; and Z is 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, 2-thienyl, 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl, 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, 2,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl, or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 46. A compound as claimed in claim 38 wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or phenylmethyl, R₂ is 3-methoxycarbonylpropyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-methoxycarbonylbutyl, 5-methoxycarbonylpentyl, 5-carboxypentyl, 2-carboxyethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, 4-carboxybutyl, 6-carboxyhexyl, 7-carboxyheptyl, or 8-carboxyoctyl, and Z is 2-acetamido-4-methyl-thiazol-5-yl or 2-(isoxazol-5-yl)thien-5-yl.
 47. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 48. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 4 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 49. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 11 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 50. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 19 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 51. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 28 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 52. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 38 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 